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Incidence of various dreadful microbial infections and the development of antibiotic resistance by infection causative microbes are the main reasons for reducing aquaculture productivity. Hence, there is an immense need for the discovery of alternative and efficient treatment for quick recovery of diseased fishes. In the present study, Suaeda maritima leaf extracts (hexane, diethyl ether, ethanol, and water) were screened for in vitro and in vivo antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Out of all the four extracts, ethanolic extract showed highest antibacterial activity against S.aureus (4.9±1.3 mm), B.subtilis (1.6±0.3 mm), K.pneumonia (4.2±1.8 mm), and P.aeruginosa (4.1±1.2 mm). Similarly, antioxidant activity was also higher for ethanolic extract (500 µg/ml) based on DPPH radical scavenging ability (71.6±1.4 %) and reducing potential (149 μg/mL) assays. Further, ethanolic extract was purified consecutively via column chromatography and preparative TLC where an active fraction was selected based on highest antibacterial (10.1±1.4 mm) and antioxidant properties (82.3±2.8 %). Active fraction was loaded onto mass spectroscopy and identified the presence of four active constituents such as 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6-methyl-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-3-yl) methanol; 3',7-Dimethoxy-3-hydroxyflavone; Saponin and (19R)9acetyl19hydroxy10,14dimethyl20oxopentacyclo[11.8.0.0.0.0]henicos-17-yl-acetate. Besides, in vivo studies were conducted on Catla catla fingerlings infected with P. aeruginosa under laboratory conditions. The fingerlings were segregated into 5 groups, among which group 4 and 5 were treated with crude and purified extracts. Both the extracts were efficient in treating infected fingerlings and recorded 100% survival rate which is even better than group-3 treated with a synthetic antibiotic (77%). Hence, S. maritima leaf extract can be considered as a possible alternative medicine in aquaculture

A system of polyurethane (PU) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with a polymer composition of 60:40 electrospun nanofibrous web has been developed as barriers to pesticides liquid (Dimethoate) penetration in protective clothing systems for agricultural workers. Barrier performance of different polymer compositions of PU and PAN layered systems has been evaluated with different areal densities of electrospun web ranging from 0.5 to 3 g/m2. This was done to improve the barrier performance of a nanofiber against a pesticide liquid. In this process, an ultra-thin layer of PU and PAN has been taken in the ratio of 60:40 and its top it is coated with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Application of PU and PAN web with PVDF and PU has significantly improved its effectiveness which has been measured when accessing the overall comfort performance of a nanofiber which includes parameters like air permeability and water vapor transmission within a layered system. Further, it is observed that the electrospun areal density has been altered due to the effect of air permeability and because of the penetration of the pesticide liquid. On other hand, the polymer compositions also affect the air permeability and rate of penetration of pesticides. It was observed that the electrospun web area has a massive impact on a web area density which reduces a pore size distribution when web area increases. Increasing the percentage of polyacrylonitrile with thermoplastic polyurethane the penetration is reduced without affecting the moisture vapor transition and which had a significant effect on air permeability. Hence PU and PAN along with PVDF nanofibrous mat have a prospective application in agro-textile industries.

Hydroxyapatite ((Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HAp) based chromatography matrix has attracted great interest in the field of protein separation. However, researchers have been trying to combat the growing costs associated with the HAp matrix. In the present investigation, we utilized a cheap biological waste material, viz. eggshells, for the development of hydroxyapatite (HAp) resins and evaluated them for protein purification. Initially, the calcite of the eggshell carbonate was converted into metastable vaterite microspheres. The HAp microspheres (ECHAp) were then prepared from eggshell carbonate microspheres using a novel dissolution-precipitation process. Synthetic source calcium carbonate was also used to prepare HAp microspheres (CHAp) for comparison. The purity and morphology of the apatite microspheres were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and laser diffraction particle analysis. Although both the apatites have similar morphology, the ECHAp has a larger surface area of 33.8 m2 g−1 compared to CHAp of 17.27 m2 g−1 by surface area analysis method. A commercial HAp matrix (CHT) with similar properties was also studied for comparison. All the apatite microspheres were found to have a similar protein binding capacity for bovine serum albumin (BSA). But ECHAp showed better protein separation for BSA and lysozyme mixture compared to CHAp and CHT matrices. The ECHAp matrix was also found to be highly stable over 20 purification cycles. Hence, the eggshell waste seems to have the potential for HAp matrix by a novel carbonate route with ease of preparation and also an economical packing material for chromatographic purification of biomolecules.

Rhodamine derivatives are heterocyclic compound, related to the fluorescent probe having a profound application in the field of biotechnology. Herein, we present two new synthesized rhodamine based fluorescent probes from the rhodamine B (probe 1) and rhodamine 6G (probe 2), respectively. The structures of the synthesized probes 1 and 2 were confirmed using 1H NMR and LC-MS spectral techniques. Further, photophysical properties such as absorption, emission and fluorescence lifetime were examined and compared for both the probes under identical conditions. These comparable data provide a possibility to discuss the mechanism which controls the fluorescence properties of probes. The data also showed that the probes in different solvent environment induce a gradual change in the molecular structure and produce a change in fluorescent intensity as a sensory signal. The changes in fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield with the parent compounds are because of change in solvent polarity and also due to the rigidity of the alkyl groups on N atoms in molecular structure. Moreover, the cell imaging and cellular toxicity studies using the probes were performed. Notably, the result obtained in this study suggests that the probe 2 has significant application in the field of cellular imaging or biotechnology.

The objective of this study was to develop electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes blended with hydroxyapatite (HA) and evaluate its potential in differentiating inflamed dental pulp stem/progenitor cells (IDPSCs) into odontoblasts. Electrospun nanofibrous membrane consisting of PCL blended with 10 wt% and 15 wt% of HA were fabricated and the characterization was done by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and contact angle analysis. Cytocompatibility, cell adhesion and odontogenic differentiation ability of the membranes were assessed by MTT, Live/Dead, SEM/DAPI and qPCR studies. The mineral deposition ability of the membranes with IDPSCs was estimated by SEM-EDS. The SEM analysis revealed a nanofibrous texture with an average fiber diameter of 140 nm for PCL, 220 nm for PCL10%HA and 250 nm for PCL15%HA. Among the membranes tested, PCL10%HA favored positive cell attachments, upregulated expression of DSPP and ALP gene and higher Ca/P ratio compared to PCL and PCL15%HA.

Tungsten carbide is one of the cutting tools which has good wear resistant, abrasion resistant and better toughness during normal machining. To improve its tool life and also the surface finish of the machined component, various types of coatings such as TiAlN, TiN + AlCrN, TiN + TiAlN by physical vapour deposition (PVD) technique and boronising operation were being employed on WC substrate cutting tools. XRD analysis was carried out to check the peaks and phases of the boronised tools. SEM analysis was performed to check the microstructure images and the coating thickness. Hardness test was conducted to check the micro-vickershardness for the coated and boronised samples. Corrosion test was carried out to check the corrosion rate of the coated inserts. Machining studies were carried using EN19 workpiece material with different tools under study. Surface roughness of the workpiece was measured on the workpiece for the different coated tools. The better suitable coated tool was selected for machining EN19 alloy steels.

The increase in demand of fuel and number of populations using automobiles is at peak. We can see multinational companies making an effort to introduce electrical vehicles. Some experts believe that though electrical vehicles have several advantages it will be very difficult to compare with conventional internal combustion engine on performance and utility with E-vehicles. There is always a scope of innovation in the field of biofuels. Ordinary diesel can be mixed with biofuels in different propositions to attain better efficiency, thus by reducing diesel intake. The test was conducted with the identified chemicals like Jatropha Curcas, diethyl Ether with diesel at various propositions. The performance analysis of only diesel and biofuel mixed diesel were taken from VCR engine. The results indicated that a proposition in which Jatropha Curcas is in 25% proposition and diethyl Ether of 5% has the brake thermal efficiency increased by 6.32%, mechanical efficiency increased by 3.15% and the emission characteristics like HC, NOX emissions has reduced than Diesel. Thus, the results clearly show the increase in thermal properties of the fuel in which there is always scope for improvement.

The nanoparticles (Nps) have huge applications in various fields like electronics, environment, cosmetics, material science and biomedical systems, etc. Among the various types of nanoparticles available zinc oxide (zincite/ZnO) and calcium carbonate (calcite/CaCO3) are commonly used nanoparticles in biomedical applications. These nanoparticles have advantages with respect to biocompatibility, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, etc. This paper presents, the synthesis of calcite/zincite nanoparticles by Sol-Gel Auto Combustion (SGC) method using precursor as sodium hydroxide and glycine as fuel. The shapes and size of calcite/zincite nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The average size of the nanoparticles were found to be 38 nm. It was found that the calcite/zincite nanoparticles exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Escherichia Coli, Enterococcus Faecalis and Staphylococcus Aureus in 24 h and 48 h of incubation by decreasing the viability of the tested bacteria’s.

In this study, a hybrid dual drug-loaded hydroxyapatite-oxidized dextran methacrylate core–shell nanocarrier was formulated and explored for combinatorial delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and methotrexate (MTX) to bone cancer. The synthesized nanocarrier was well characterized by different techniques. In vitro drug release studies in both acidic (pH 5) and alkaline (pH 7.4) conditions showed sequential release of MTX followed by DOX in a sustained manner for 10 days. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity studies performed using drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) on fibroblast L929 cells and osteosarcoma MG63 cells (OMG63) showed that the NPs were highly biocompatible and showed concentration-dependent toxicity. Gene expression studies in OMG-63 cells exhibited the upregulation of caspase-3 and BAX which confirmed the apoptosis induced by dual drug-loaded NPs. The nanocarrier is expected to be a potential bone void filling material, as well as a platform for sequential delivery of DOX and MTX for the treatment of bone cancer.

This article presents a simultaneous impact of selective contact silicidation, silicide, and junction engineering on bulk FinFET’s electrostatic discharge (ESD) reliability, latch-up (LU) robustness, and hot carrier-induced (HCI) degradation. The investigations are performed using 3-D TCAD simulations. To maximize the robustness against HCI reliability and to improve the ESD/LU performance simultaneously, essential technology guidelines are derived based on physical insights developed. With the incorporation of proposed S/D contact silicide and junction engineering, the ESD robustness of FinFETs can be improved by a factor of $6\times $ compared to conventional approaches. Besides, this is found to improve the overall HCI reliability of bulk FinFETs. Based on these design guidelines, hybrid contact/junction engineered scheme is proposed for the overall robustness of FinFET system-on-chips (SoC).

In this work, the leave extracts of Aloe vera, piper betel and neem leaf were prepared and coated on bamboo fiber based material for wound dressing applications. The fabrics coated with different c...

Organophosphate pesticide poisoning is a common clinical problem in developing countries, bringing with it significant morbidity and mortality. There is limited evidence on the mobility status in patients who survive acute intoxication by organophosphates. The purpose of this study is to assess the mobility patterns and barriers to mobilization in organophosphate poisoning survivors in the intensive care unit. This cross-sectional study looked at 37 patients with acute intoxication from organophosphate compounds. Patients with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores of less than 93 and Richmond Agitation and Sedation scores between −2 and +2 were included. Potential mobility barriers, bed mobility, functional strength, transfers, and endurance were assessed using the Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility score on alternative days for the first ten days of intensive care unit admission. Perme scores (2.50–6.0, p ≤ 0.01) improved significantly with improvement in the subcomponents of bed mobility score (1.83 ± 0.35 to 7.23 ± 3.84), transfers (0.37 ± 0.02 to 4.78 ± 3.84), and gait (1.83 ± 0.35 to 5.23 ± 1.27) from day 2 through day 10 of hospital admission. The endotracheal tube and continuous infusion were identified as major barriers to mobilization (66.6%) using Perme scores. Perme scores improved gradually in organophosphate poisoning patients in the intensive care unit. Identification of mobility barriers may help in the modification of rehabilitation goals.

Background: Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) also known as Hepatic Steatosis (HS) is identified by the abnormal build-up of lipids particularly triglyceride in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. The present study was conducted to assess fatty liver disease using USG and CT scan. Materials & Methods: 130 cases of fatty liver disease in both genders were thoroughly examined and underwent Ultrasonography (USG) and CT Scan. Results: Out of 130 patients, males were 78 and females were 52. FLD grading was grade I in 76, grade II in 34 and grade III in 20 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Liver CTHFN Mean HU in grade I was 42.6 HU, in grade II was 25.2 HU and in grade III was 3.8 HU. The difference was significant (P

International audience; A small library of new piperidine-triazole hybrids with 3-aryl isoxazole side chains has been designed and synthesized. Their cytotoxicity against a panel of seven cancer cell lines has been established. For the most promising compound, an IC(50) value of 3.8 μM on PUMA/Bcl-xL interaction in live cancer cells was established through BRET analysis. A rationale was proposed for these results through complete molecular modelling studies.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE To chemically characterize restorative composite resin polymerized with 20 wt.% and 40 wt.% dipentaerythritol penta-/hexaacrylate (DPEPHA) comonomer. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate the conversion degree (DC) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the newly formed copolymer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The trial groups were photo-polymerized with DPEPHA comonomer, whereas the control group was photo-polymerized only with the propriety resin monomers. Infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies were used for establishing copolymerization. The characteristics and composition (mass %) of the surface were explained by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, respectively. The DC and Tg of the resultant copolymers were evaluated through FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Appropriate statistical tests with corresponding post hoc tests were employed to compare the medians and means of DC and Tg, respectively. RESULTS The formation of a new copolymer P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) was evident. The DC and Tg of the P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) copolymer were greater than the control. DPEPHA in the copolymer at 40 wt.% concentration showed the highest DC and Tg. CONCLUSION DPEPHA comonomer addition leads to the formation of a new P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) copolymer with improved DC and Tg. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The novel P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) copolymer may improve the physico-mechanical and biological properties of the restorative composite resin. This would improve the quality of restoration and its in vivo serviceability, thereby imparting a good living quality to the entailed population.

Research on amalgamation of an antigen with a delivery system for developing a potent mucosal vaccine that elicits both cellular and humoral response has captured immense attention these days. Cationic delivery systems being the first choice for mucosal antigen delivery, despite being effective, are associated with inherent problems like cytotoxicity. Therefore, the quest for developing a precise system that can effectively deliver antigen to immune cells without adverse toxic effect has led to the use of partial cationic systems which are mostly humoral immune mediators. The art of fine-tuning cationic nature, avoiding side effects, and being immune responsive are the needs of the hour. Herein, we try to optimize the cationic nature of polycaprolactone (USFDA approved) by conjugating it with hydrazine. The polymer was modified using two stoichiometry ratios (5 and 10 equiv) of hydrazine monohydrate and characterized using FTIR and XRD. Free amine quantification of the modified polymers concluded that both the modified polymers had 232 and 457 μM/mg amine groups, respectively. A cytotoxicity assay performed using RAW 264.7 macrophages proved the safety of cationic polymers.

The mesozooplankton community structure of a cold core eddy, moving through a coastal location (Bheemunipatnam) in the western Bay of Bengal (BoB), was studied continuously for 17 days (21st February to 8th March 2016) during Spring Intermonsoon. Vertical profiles of temperature, salinity and Chlorophyll a were measured in 1hr interval. Nutrients and dissolved oxygen were measured in every 3 hrs from 8 discrete depths. Mesozooplankton samples were collected through vertical haul (100 m depth to the surface) in 6 hrs intervals. Cluster analysis delineated the entire sampling days into 3 clusters based on temperature, salinity, anomaly of temperature and salinity in various depth layers Viz., phase I (Pre-eddy: 21st to 24th February), phase II (Core eddy: 28th February to 6th March) and phase III (Transition: 25th to 27th February and 7th to 8th March). The phase I was characterised as a comparatively warm, low saline, less nutrient and oxygenated subsurface water. During phase II, cool, nutrient-rich and oxygen deficient waters in the study location indicating the presence of a cold core eddy. Phase III is an intermediate condition between the phases I and II. Deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) were shoaled to 23 m in Phase II from a depth of 38 m in Phase I. Mesozooplankton abundance was high during phase II (62320 No. m−2) compared to phase III (41633 No. m−2) and phase I (39510 No. m−2). Altogether 64 copepod species were identified of which, seven were dominant throughout the observation. Twelve species found as the indicator species in the core eddy condition. The high abundance of the Temora turbinata (upwelling indicator), Pleuromamma indica (low oxygen tolerant and highly central BoB reported) and occurrence of oceanic, oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) reported forms as indicator species in phase II is indicative of their entrainment from offshore by eddies. Eddy genesis and their movement tracking appear that this northeastern offshore formed cold core eddy advected to western coastal Bay of Bengal and traversing through the study site during the sampling period. Copepod species composition indicates the eddy trapped biological communities were sustained and retained in the core over a long period, and it advected over a long distance. This study is the first kind of information about northeastern offshore formed cold core eddy carries the plankton community in coastal waters of western BoB on their path and explains copepods community structure can be used as the indicator of eddy water masses.

Developing an effective antibacterial surface with the help of drugs that prevent bacterial adhesion, colonization, and proliferation into the surrounding tissues is of great demand. Rifampicin (Rf) is effective antibiotic drug proved has proved its potential in treating bacteria in biofilms, especially against the microbes causing bone infections. Hydroxyapatite (HA), a biocompatible osteoconductive ceramic, has been verified to be a significant material for bioactivity enhancement. Electrospinning is an effective inexpensive method for incorporating nanoparticles into nanofibers with uniform distribution for the drug delivery system for tissue engineering applications. In the current study, for improving bioactivity and antibacterial properties, novel functional polycaprolactone (PCL) composite nanofibers loaded HA and Rf was developed and coated on titanium (Ti). Different characterization techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRD, FITR were used to analyze these PCL/Rf/HA nanocomposites. The results showed that the bioactivity and tensile strength of the composite scaffold increased with the addition of HA nanoparticles. In vitro bioactivity demonstrated that the PCL/HA/Rf composite nanofibers possess enhanced calcium deposition when compared to the pure sample. Cellular interactive responses such as adhesive and proliferation were evaluated using hFOB human fetal osteoblast cell lines. After 6 days of culturing, the cellular properties on Ti sample coated with PCL/HA/Rf was significantly improved. Antibacterial evaluations on the substrates showed that Rf-loaded PCL/HA fibers displayed >3 log reduction against S.aureus MRSA, and S.epidermidis bacterial strain and >2 log reduction against P.aeruginosa bacteria. In vitro drug release study shows initial burst release of Rf, followed by sustained released of 62% at the end of 32 days. The cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation evaluation suggest that the PCL/HA/Rf coated substrate possess good cytocompatibility. Further incorporation of Rf enhanced the antibacterial property of this nanofibrous scaffold.

In tuberculosis, macrophages serve as a host for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and hence targeting them with nanoparticles-based drug delivery could be the best strategy to achieve high therapeutic efficacy. Two tuberculosis drugs, namely rifampicin and levofloxacin, which have different mechanism of action on the bacteria, were complexed with cyclodextrin and conjugated to curdlan nanoparticles, to achieve simultaneous sustained release of both the drugs over a prolonged period of time. They are non-cytotoxic to both RAW 264.7 and L929 cells. They are taken up ˜1.8 times more by the macrophage cells through dectin-1 receptor than the fibroblast cells. They are also able to kill more than 95% of Mycobacterium smegmatis residing within the macrophages in 4 h. These results demonstrate that curdlan-CD nanoparticles can be a promising system for the loading and intracellular release of hydrophobic drugs into macrophages for various therapeutic applications.

The nanostructured titanium (Ti) obtained by the equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) has shown great promise as a biomedical implant material over the past few decades. The present work aims to investigate the effect of topographical changes caused by ECAP and piranha treatment (Tr) on the surface performance and biological properties of Ti for bone tissue engineering applications. The effects of dual treatments, i.e., ECAP and Tr, on Ti were systematically investigated by multiple characterization techniques, surface wettability, apatite-forming ability, cellular behavior, and antibacterial studies. We demonstrate that both ECAP and ECApTr samples possess desirable mechanical and physical properties and are biocompatible to cultured human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells. The potential of adhesion and proliferation of hFOB cells on ECAP and ECApTr samples was found to be superior to that of control unprocessed sample (annealed). Ti samples prepared by both methods showed excellent antimicrobial properties against clinical strains of the most common pathogenic bacteria causing orthopedic implant infections, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). This study supports the established claim about mechanical properties improvement by ultrafine refinement and further enhances the antibacterial properties when chemically etched with a piranha solution.

In the present work, attempt has been made to analyse the metallurgical and mechanical characterization of Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) and Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAlN) duplex coatings. TiCN/TiAlN and TiAlN/TiCN bilayer combinations were deposited on cemented carbide cutting insert substrates by means of the cathodic arc physical vapour deposition (CAPVD) process. The metallography analysis revealed a highly densed uniform structure and a fewer voids for the TiAlN/TiCN bilayer coating when compared to TiCN/TiAlN combination. Nano-indentation analysis was performed for the assessment of the surface hardness of the coatings followed by the measurement of adhesive strength through use of a scratch tester. The TiAlN/TiCN bilayer coating revealed a higher hardness and greater adhesion strength than the TiCN/TiAlN bilayer coating. Roughness parameters of the coated films were obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM). TiAlN/TiCN bilayer coating showed a smooth surface, when compared to TiCN/TiAlN bilayer coating.

The delivery of multiple drugs with bone substitutes is the current strategy for the treatment of bone diseases. In this study, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) as a core and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the corona were developed for the dual delivery of anti-cancer drugs methotrexate (MTX) and gemcitabine (GEM). MTX was conjugated to PVA through ester linkages with a high payload of around 20%. GEM was then physically loaded onto the MTX conjugated-PVA-HA NPs with a loading efficiency of 83%. In vitro drug release studies of GEM-loaded-MTX conjugated-PVA-HA NPs in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) showed a combined release of both MTX (25%) and GEM (60%) at the end of 10 days. Physically loaded MTX showed a burst release of around 50% compared to 16% by conjugated MTX within 24 h which supports the significance of conjugating drug molecules. Cell viability studies using osteosarcoma MG-63 cells confirmed that polymer grafted NPs were non-cytotoxic, while the drug-loaded NPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The synthesized NPs will be a promising bone-substitute material for the co-delivery of many therapeutic molecules for the treatment of bone diseases.

International audience; A series of new quinazolines linked to triazoles through an ether chain in position 2 has been designed and synthetized through a flexible route. Cytotoxicity assays on selected cancer cell lines and inhibition studies toward a panel of representative mammalian kinases have been performed on these molecules.

Biodegradable composite was prepared by blending collagen and chitosan from aquatic resources and characterized using FTIR to determine their structural integrity. The efficiency of biocomposite was evaluated in terms of swelling, protein absorption and degradability properties. Degradation and swelling behavior of the scaffolds were decreased, while protein adsorption was increased upon amalgamation of collagen with Chitosan at 7:3 ratio. Based on the obtained results, the engineered matrix is better in scaffold properties and it provides a healthier environment can be considered as a potential candidate for tissue regeneration applications.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of sealer at different levels of the root canal using three different sealers in a single-cone obturation technique. Materials and Methods: Thirty freshly extracted mandibular premolar teeth were selected and access opening was performed. Working length was determined. Cleaning and shaping were done till 25 size K file followed by ProTaper till F2 size. Teeth were then obturated with matching gutta-percha points with the following sealers: Group I, 10 teeth with zinc oxide eugenol sealer; Group II, 10 teeth with AH plus sealer; and Group III, 10 teeth with NanoSeal-S sealer. Teeth were cross sectioned at 3 and 6 mm from the apex. Color photographs of sections were taken at a magnification of ×40 using a camera connected to a stereo-operating microscope and the images were transferred to a computer. Sealer distribution was observed and the canal perimeters coated or uncoated with the sealer can be calculated using a computer digital imaging system. Results: Of the three groups, zinc oxide eugenol showed least sealer distribution. AH Plus and Nanoseal-S showed no significant difference between the distribution at the 3- and 6-mm levels. Conclusion: Both AH Plus and Nanoseal-S showed excellent sealer distribution when compared to zinc oxide eugenol.

Considerable progress has been made with the rather recently developed dimer approach, which has already found applications in the development of new effective artemisinin‐derived antimalarial, anticancer, and antiviral agents. One observation common to these potential applications is the significant (i.e., much more than double) improvement in activity of artemisinin based dimers, which are not toxic to normal cells and have fewer or less harmful side effects, with respect to monomers against parasites, cancer cells and viruses. Due to the high potential of the dimerization concept, many new artemisinin‐derived dimer compounds and their biological activities have been recently reported. In this review an overview of the synthesis of dimer drug candidates based on the clinically used drug artemisinin and its semisynthetic derivatives is given. Besides the highlighting of biological activities of the selected dimers, the main focus is set on different synthetic approaches toward the dimers containing a broad variety of symmetric and nonsymmetric linking moieties.

Psidium guajava L. (guava) is predominantly grown throughout the world and known for its medicinal properties in treating various diseases and disorders. The present work focuses on aqueous extraction of bioactive compounds from the guava leaf and its utilization in the formulation of jelly to improve the public health. The guava leaf extract has been used in the preparation of jelly with pectin (1.5 g), sugar (28 g) and lemon juice (2 mL). The prepared guava leaf extract jelly (GJ) and the control jelly (CJ, without extract) were subjected to proximate, nutritional and textural analyses besides determination of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. GJ was found to contain carbohydrate (45.78 g/100 g), protein (3.0 g/100 g), vitamin C (6.15 mg/100 g), vitamin B3 (2.90 mg/100 g) and energy (120.6 kcal). Further, the texture analysis of CJ and GJ indicated that both the jellies showed similar properties emphasizing that the addition of guava leaf extract does not bring any change in the texture properties of jelly. GJ exhibited antimicrobial activity against various bacteria ranging from 11.4 to 13.6 mm. Similarly, GJ showed antioxidant activity of 42.38% against DPPH radical and 33.45% against hydroxyl radical. Mass spectroscopic analysis of aqueous extract confirmed the presence of esculin, quercetin, gallocatechin, 3-sinapoylquinic acid, gallic acid, citric acid and ellagic acid which are responsible for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

In this paper, the optimization of roller burnishing parameters of silicon carbide particles-reinforced aluminum composites of metal matrix base using response surface methodology (RSM) was carried out. For the burnishing roller material, tungsten carbide was coated with TiAlN using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. Experiments were conducted in dry condition by changing speed of the burnishing tool and number of passes. The input parameters were changed at different levels in order to evaluate its influence on output responses such as roughness and hardness of the surface. The optimization was carried out using response surface methodology.

In bone cancer treatment, local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents is preferred compared to other routes of administration. Delivery of multiple drugs using biodegradable carriers improves the treatment efficiency and overcomes drug resistance and toxicity. With this approach, we have developed multilayer biodegradable core shell nanoparticles (NPs) using the electro-spraying technique to deliver methotrexate (MTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) for the treatment of osteosarcoma. These core-shell NPs with a mean particle size of 212 ± 41 nm consist of hydroxyapatite (HA) and DOX as core with the outer shell made of chitosan (CH) followed by polycaprolactone (PCL) with MTX. The encapsulation efficiency of MTX was around 85% and DOX was 38%. In vitro drug release studies were performed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 5 and pH 7.4 for 8 days. Different release profiles were observed in both acidic and alkaline pH. The sequential release of MTX followed by DOX was observed in both pH in sustained manner. Human osteosarcoma MG 63 (OMG-63) cells lines were used to test the cytotoxicity of drug loaded NPs. Multi-drug encapsulated bioresorbable and biodegradable electro-sprayed core shell NPs will be promising as a bone substitute for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of functionalized nanoparticle photodynamic therapy on Nano hardness of root dentin Methodology Fifty single rooted lower premolars were decoronated and sectioned into two halves. Then the samples were embedded horizontally in to the acrylic resin to expose the dentin surface. Baseline nanohardness was done at midroot level using a Nanohardness tester. Exposed dentin surfaces were immersed in the following irrigating solutions • Group 1: 1 ml of Chitosan conjugated Rose Bengal (CSRB-np) activated with 540 nm for 10 min • Group 2: 1 ml of Methylene blue loaded poly lactic acid (PLGA-MB np) activated with 660 nm for 10 min • Group 3: 5 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min + 5 ml of 17% EDTA for 1 min • Group 4: 5 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min + 5 ml of 17% EDTA for 1 min + 1 ml of 2% chlorhexidine for 30 s. • Group 5: 1 ml of 0.9 % Saline for 10 min. Post treatment nanohardness testing was done and results were analyzed statistically Results In general, all the samples in their respective groups had significant change in nanohardness following immersion in irrigant solutions except in NaOCl + EDTA and saline group. CSRB-np and PLGA-MBnp showed increased nanohardness (P = 0.005 and P = 0.007 respectively). Whereas NaOCl + EDTA + CHX showed decrease in nanohardness (P = 0.04). With regards to Modulus of elasticity (MOE), CSRB-np showed significant difference (P = 0.002) compared to the other groups. MOE increased in CSRB-np and PLGA-MBnp while it decreased in all the other groups. Conclusion In this study, the improvement of nanohardness and modulus of elasticity following the immersion of root dentin in CSRB-np solution was demonstrated

This research aims to determine the strength of engineered cementitious composites. The strength tests like compressive strength, flexural strength, and direct tensile strength were determined. Expansive agent and shrinkage reducing admixture were used. These admixtures used to enhance the strength and reducing the water content in the mix. The expansive agent also increases the compressive strength, but it does not give any changes in direct tensile and flexure properties. Polyvinyl alcohol and polypropylene fibres have excellent structural properties that are ideal for Engineered Cementitious Composites. Superplasticizer increases the workability of the fresh concrete and also it reduces shrinkage. Glass fibre is also used because of its high tensile property. The hybridization with low and high modulus fibres are engaged to increase the strength of Engineered Cementitious Composites.

Summary Insulin resistance is a major factor in obesity-linked type 2 diabetes. PPARγ is a master regulator of adipogenesis, and small molecule agonists, termed thiazolidinediones, are potent therapeutic insulin sensitizers. Here, we studied the role of transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) as a transcriptional co-repressor of PPARγ. We found that adipocyte-specific TAZ knockout (TAZ AKO) mice demonstrate a constitutively active PPARγ state. Obese TAZ AKO mice show improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to littermate controls. PPARγ response genes are upregulated in adipose tissue from TAZ AKO mice and adipose tissue inflammation was also decreased. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies revealed that the TAZ-PPARγ interaction is partially dependent on ERK-mediated Ser112 PPARγ phosphorylation. As adipocyte PPARγ Ser112 phosphorylation is increased in obesity, repression of PPARγ activity by TAZ could contribute to insulin resistance. These results identify TAZ as a new factor in the development of obesity-induced insulin resistance.

Three new classes of nojirimycin analogues viz. N-alkyl with C1-substituent (4-phenylbutyl), N-substituted 1-deoxynojirimycin and its congener δ-lactam, and a 4-phenylbutyl-β-C-glycoside were designed and synthesized for immunological studies. The resulting diverse compound library exhibited proliferation of B Cells and T cells induced by LPS and Con A, respectively. The majority of the analogues augmented the secretion of IL-12 in dendritic cells and TNF-α secretion in murine peritoneal macrophages compared to LPS (10 μg/ml). A deoxynojirimycin-triazole conjugate of phytosphingosine analogue was superior in the responses mentioned above and exhibited nitric oxide response equal to LPS. In comparison to findings on its congeners with immunosuppressive action, early immunological tests show that the novel nojirimycin analogues have immunopotentiating effect. Hence, nojirimycin analogues offer tremendous potential in tuning the immunomodulatory activity of iminosugars by subtle to substantial structural variations.

Peptic ulcer is prevalent in about 4% of the world population and nearly 10% of people have been affected by peptic ulcer at some point in their life. Therefore, there is a need for newer efficient and safe anti-ulcer agents. In the present strategy, we have prepared a novel bioactive glass containing 1.3 mol% of barium oxide (BaBG) and evaluated its antiulcer potential in gastroduodenal ulcer models. Prophylactic effect of BaBG pretreatment was evaluated for 5 days in ethanol, aspirin and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer models. Repeated treatment of 10 days of BaBG was evaluated in the healing ulcer model of acetic acid. BaBG significantly reduced the ulcerative damage against all the five tested ulcer models. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images have shown that BaBG forms a physical protective barrier over the gastro-duodenal epithelium cell. In the pyloric-ligation, ethanol and aspirin models, BaBG showed significantly increased in gastric pH, indicating antacid like activity. BaBG treatment significantly increased cell proliferation in the pyloric model. Thus, BaBG mediates antiulcer action by forming a protective physical barrier against harsh luminal factors, acid neutralization and cell proliferation.

Failures of biomedical implants due to implant-related infections and implant loosening remains a major concern in orthopaedic fixations. The current work aims to address the issues by examining the effect of dual interaction i.e surface modification and surface coatings on orthopaedic implant materials, i.e. commercially pure titanium (cpTi). The cpTi surface was initially modified with piranha solution (H 2 SO 4 + H 2 O 2 ) to create an antibacterial surface. Further, the biological properties similar to bone tissue were improved by electrospun coating on the piranha treated substrate with poly(e-caprolactone)(PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite nanofibers. The PCL/HA composite nanofibers have been characterized using SEM, XRD, EDS contact angle measurements, and FTIR spectroscopy. The coating adhesion of PCL/HA on cpTi was evaluated by cross-cut tape test (ASTM D3359-09). The newly fabricated substrates showed favourable properties and higher wettability. The antibacterial tests on piranha treated nanostructured substrates also confirmed a substantial reduction in bacterial growth over large areas. Cellular interactive responses such as adhesive and proliferation of osteosarcoma MG-63 cell lines has also demonstrated that presence of PCL/HA electrospun coating on the modified surface have improved the biological properties. The currently developed piranha treated and PCL/HA nanocomposite coated cpTi substrates seems to be a promising method to obtain both antibacterial and bioactive titanium surfaces.

This study evaluates the machining performance of nanostructured Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAlN), Aluminium Chromium Nitride (AlCrN) and TiAlN/AlCrN bilayer coated and uncoated carbide tools used for machining Inconel 825 alloy. Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal experimental design was used in the turning operation by fixing machining parameters namely, cutting speed (v), feed rate (f) and depth of cut (d) at different levels. Taguchi’s Response Graph (TRG), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were used for examining the effects of machining parameters and their contributions to the cutting force, tool wear and surface roughness. The optimal cutting parameters were evaluated for “Smaller-the-Better” (STB) quality characteristic of all the three output responses. The GRA results, show AlCrN and TiAlN/AlCrN coated tool having obtained high Grey Relational Grade (GRG) at L1 trial when v = 50 m/min, f = 0.14 mm/rev and d = 0.15 mm. The TiAlN coated tool and uncoated tool obtained high GRG at v = 100 m/min, f = 0.25 mm/rev and d = 0.15 mm for L8 trial. The feed rate showed a high percentage contribution, followed by the depth of cut and cutting speed for TiAlN and AlCrN coated cutting tools based on the ANOVA obtained for GRG values. But, the TiAlN/AlCrN coated and uncoated tool have shown the depth of cut obtaining a high percentage contribution followed by feed rate and cutting speed based on ANOVA obtained for GRG results. Machining studies show a better performance of the TiAlN/AlCrN bi-layer coated tool when compared to TiAlN, AlCrN coated and uncoated carbide tool for machining Inconel 825 alloy.

This paper revisits the physics of current filamentation in grounded-gate NMOS (ggNMOS) devices and presents new physical insights which were not addressed in earlier works. A clear distinction between electrical and thermal instabilities is presented. Moreover, filament dynamics under electrical and thermal instability in both silicided and silicide blocked devices is discussed while highlighting observations which contradict with established theory of current ballasting. Interplay between electrical and thermal instabilities and its dependence on the presence or absence of silicide blocking is explored further. Filament spreading in ggNMOS devices and it is dependence on silicide blocking is discussed. Finally, while using the developed physical insights, missing correlation between TLP and HBM extracted failure current of silicided ggNMOS device is explained.

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are ideally suited for the local delivery of antibiotics in infected bone defects as they have multiple binding sites for loading various drugs. CPCs can also be substituted with ions such as Ag+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, etc., to exhibit extended broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Strontium (Sr) in particular is known to enhance the new bone formation and decrease bone resorption. The current work aims to develop a dual action tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) based cement which releases both the Sr2+ ion and ornidazole antibiotic drug for the treatment of bone infections. The TTCP with Sr2+ ion substitution was prepared by the solid state reaction method and it was used to form ornidazole loaded CPC. The ornidazole loaded cement prepared using 8 at% Sr substituted TTCP (8SCPC-O) showed complete hydroxyapatite (HA) formation in phosphate buffered solution at the end of 1 week. Fine needle-shaped HA crystals were observed in 8SCPC-O cement. In vitro drug release studies showed an accelerated ornidazole release from the 8SCPC-O sample when compared to samples without Sr substitution. Ornidazole releasing cements were found to be biocompatible with skeletal myoblast (L6) cells. Antibacterial activity of ornidazole releasing cement was evident from day 1 onwards against E. coli. The above results suggest 8SCPC-O as a good candidate for treating local bone infections.

Nasal vaccine delivery systems are emerging alternatives to the conventional sub unit vaccine delivery systems owing to their ability to stimulate potent antigen specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Additional virtue of nasal delivery is its close proximity of immune cells to external epithelial layer which is the route of entry to pathogens. Toxicity of emulsion based vaccine delivery systems may be attributed to the presence of high quantities of surfactants used for stabilizing the emulsions. A safer approach would be to reduce physiologically unwanted surfactant burden in the emulsion to the bare limit to necessity. Oleic acid was used as oil phase due to its ability to enhance penetration of system in nasal mucosa. This emulsion was designed with the purpose that it activates the innate (TLR 4) and adaptive immune systems apart from performing its antigen delivery function. Proving the hypothesis, emulsion when immunized along with recombinant tetravalent dengue antigen has elicited a profound antigen specific humoral and cellular response. Antigen cross presenting and sustained release of antigen by emulsion is the key factor in shaping this immune response. Moreover, the dose sparing effect of emulsion has also been proven which has a crucial role in modern day vaccine delivery. This significant humoral and cellular response elicited proves the suitability of this emulsion system for enhancing the protective effect of vaccines against various intracellular pathogens.

Solid biopolymers have gained much attention in the development of polymer electrolytes due to its biocompatibility, film-forming nature, and non-toxicity. In the present work, biopolymer membrane has been prepared using tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) as host polymer and various concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl) salt as dopant by solution casting technique. The prepared biopolymer electrolyte has been characterized by XRD, FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, AC impedance spectroscopy analysis, and transference number measurement. XRD analysis has been done to investigate the amorphous/crystalline nature of the polymer membrane. The highest amorphous nature has been found for 1 g of TSP with 0.4 g LiCl. FTIR spectrum analysis confirms the complex formation between TSP biopolymer with LiCl. From AC impedance conductivity analysis, the maximum ionic conductivity is of the order of 6.7 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature for 1 g TSP with 0.4 g LiCl, whereas for pure TSP biopolymer membrane, the ionic conductivity is of the order of 5.48 × 10−7 S cm−1. The glass transition temperature for the highest conducting biopolymer membrane for the composition of 1 g TSP: 0.4 g LiCl has been found to be 44.25 °C using the DSC technique. Employing the maximum conducting biopolymer membrane, a lithium-ion conducting battery has been fabricated and its discharge characteristics have been studied.

In this paper, we report a reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)-Zinc Oxide (ZnO) composite-based non-enzymatic ethanol sensor with an ultra-high sensitivity of 508.91 $\mu $ AmM−1cm−2 which is, to the best of our knowledge, ~8 folds higher than previously reported electrochemical ethanol sensors. The rGO-ZnO composite was synthesized by a wet chemical method wherein the reduction of GO and intimate interfacial contact between ZnO NPs and rGO were achieved simultaneously. The sensing of ethanol was explicated by means of current-potential (I–V) technique. The sensor exhibited reproducible response with insignificant variations in current tested across multiple electrodes and responded linearly to ethanol in the range of 0.5–5 mM ( $R^{2}=0.957$ ). The sensor also showed lower limit of detection. The significant improvement in sensitivity is attributed to the improved surface activity and faster charge separation owing to formation of the nano-Schottky barrier at rGO-ZnO interface. This approach is beneficial as it eliminates the use of conducting binder along with the functional material for ethanol sensing. This ultra-sensitive, binder free rGO-ZnO-based sensor offers a simple, low cost approach for ethanol detection in food, pharmaceutical, bio fuel industries, and environmental analyses.

A series of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-chalcone conjugates (5a-aa) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic potency against a panel of human cancer cell lines like lung (A-549), breast (MDA MB-231), prostrate (DU-145) and colon cancer (HT-29). Preliminary results revealed that some of these conjugates like 5d and 5u exhibited significant antiproliferative effect against human breast cancer (MDA MB-231) with IC50 values of 1.3 and 1.2 µM respectively. To investigate the mechanistic aspects underlying the activity, the detailed biological studies of these promising conjugates (5d and 5u) were carried out on the MDA MB-231 cancer cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that these conjugates induce cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The tubulin polymerization assay suggests that these conjugates effectively inhibit microtubule assembly. In addition, morphological changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection by 2′, 7′–dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) and annexin V–FITC/PI assays indicate that 5d and 5u induces apoptosis. Furthermore, in silico computational studies, including molecular docking studies have been carried out to rationalise the binding modes of these conjugates with the tubulin protein.